The Red Bikini Lady....

Body for Life Champion and Liftime Achievement Award Winner, Michelle Lee. "page-a-day" memoir of the steps I took during a journey to my first Body Building and Figure Competition and beyond. (c)2008 all rights reserved by blog author

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Location: Minnesota, United States

I'm at an age when many women believe their best years are behind them. I hope to convince my "Sisters" that many more of those "best years" are waitng to be lived! I'm living proof it is never to late to live them. Not to long ago I weighed nearly 200 pounds and was being treated for a long list of obesity related medical problems. Thankfully there came a point in my life when I decided to keep my self promises. When I did...my life opened to a world of possibilities.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Countdown to the Fantasy Challenge continues....

First I'd like to thank Janice, Steve and John for sharing their stories about those all important before pictures! If you didn't get a chance to read their stories...please check out Monday's comments.

Yesterday, John L. asked what I meant by Fantasy Challenge.
In a blog last week I suggested we "pool" our advice for people just learning about this amazing program called Body for Life. It seems that changes in season, especially when the kids go back to school a lot of folks begin to look into self improvement programs for themselves. In the weeks to come many will be discovering the BFL website and will consider whether to take the challenge.
Hopefully they will buy the book, watch the tapes and use that EAS toll free number to answer their questions. But I thought that we might offer up some "tried and true" advice" as well.

There are many of us who have completed successful challenges...some of us have multiple challenges under our much smaller belts.

I have always said....following this program is like following a wellworn path to mental, physical and spiritual health. Many have gone before us. Many will follow behind us....some will fall off the path. When we do....I know in my heart there will always be someone to give us a hand up and give us a helpful nudge forward. This is our chance to share our ideas to create a "perfect (or near perfect) challenge. Call it a "Fantasy challenge." (Sorta like Fantasy football.)

We've studied the play book, put them into action and now it's time to share our successful strategies with our new BFL Buddies. They of course can take the suggestions they want and leave the rest.

Right now the fantasy challenge is in the Prep stage.
Today, I'd like to talk about workout clothes. Prior to BFL the last time I bought gym clothes was in ninth grade. The "outfit" was a hideous green shortsleeve "onesie" with a snapfront with short gathered balloons legs hidden under cuffs that hit midthigh. Boy they sure didn't inspire my hidden athlete! (Or the boys---exercising in a field nearby!) We had to wear this stiff cotton uniform for two years. After tenth grade we had the option to drop out of exercise class. I of course did.
I'm not sure whether that fashion statement killed my motivation to exercise...but I have to confess I steered clear of gyms for dozens of years after.

The right exercise clothing will inspire you to hit those tens. Experts tell job seekers to dress for the job they want. If you want to be a successful athlete...dressing the part will certainly improve your chances.
Today I prefer a good sports bra or tank top with a built in bra in a bright color. I love my pair of black EAS spandex exercise shorts. A good pair of white cotton sox and my new balance shoes. When I put on my workout clothes I feel the part...that of an athlete ready to take on some serious training.

Prior to starting your Ultimate BFL Challenge I recommend you find yourself a special outfit that will put you in the right frame of mind. Even if you have 20,30 or 50 pounds to lose....wear that outfit for your very first workout!

What was your least favorite outfit? Your favorite gym outfit? Do clothes really make the man or woman?

Have a great BFL Day,
Your buddy,
Michelle

Monday, September 12, 2005

Before Pictures?

I remember the first time I had my husband take my before pictures. I weighed nearly two hundred pounds and I didn't have a two piece swim suit. Instead I wore a sports bra and a pair of tight exercise shorts. At that weight---everything was tight!
I fixed my hair, put on makeup and smiled for the camera. At least I thought I was smiling. I know I was very happy the day I handed him the camera. I was embarking on a brand new adventure and I was leaving my old, fat unhappy life behind!

Looking back at that photo I am amazed! Even with the hair-do and the smile....I looked pretty unhappy and unhealthy.
I remember picking up that packet of pictures at "Wally's World (Walmart.) I couldn't wait until I got home. I opened it in the car while sitting in the parking lot. Oh---were those photos an eye opener. And I failed to hold back the tears.

How on earth had I let myself go? (Life happened) Will this latest weight plan work?( Oh boy did it!) Or will I just keep packing on the pounds until I hit the 200 mark and beyond? (No way!)

Yes, those before pictures were a real turning point for me. And I know they will be for you! Please, don't skip those pictures. Surprisingly some people do and they regret it so much. They show where you've been and where you need to go. Part of that BFL blueprint that is essential to your success. I often wonder how many champions never won the BFL contest because they decided to skip those "darned" before pictures.

As we continue with this pre-phase of our Fantasy Challenge....my question for you; how did you feel when you get those photos taken. Did they help you achieve your goal? And how long did it take before you were proudly showing off those before pictures and eagerly sharing the BFL program with anyone who asked..."Wow! What Happened to you?"

Have a great BFL Day!
Your buddy,
Michelle